Standard incandescent and quartz halogen lights are usually the most cost effective and will produce a clear white light. These lights typically have available, plastic color lens which snap on over the glass lens to produce a nice underwater effect.

Incandescent lighting provides strong illumination. To eliminate the risk of shock that results from combining electrical connections with water, these lights come completely sealed inside a protective waterproof fixture that fits in a niche in the pool wall.

Since the bulbs are sealed as well as the fixtures, changing them when they burn out requires a little extra effort. You literally pull the light out of the pool wall on its specially designed extension cord, and bring it to the surface, where you replace the burnt-out bulb. You then reinsert the unit into the waterproof niche.

Due to the engineering involved in constructing an underwater lighting system and the difficulty of wiring a pool, these lights need to be installed when the pool is built—they are nearly impossible to install afterward.

This type and style of lights are available in wattages ranging from 100W to 500W. Check with your local codes and building officials for the lighting requirements which will be accepted.

Color changing lights are perhaps the most exciting item to become available for swimming pools and spas in the last few years. Lights are available which have a color wheel built into the light which is controlled by a small circuit board. Many newer style color changing lights are now available in LED. LED lights have no moving parts and offer many different light shows for your use. Typically these lights are controlled by turning off and on the lights to locate the light pattern or "show" which you would like to have.

LED lighting uses light emitting diodes to shed light on the pool water. They are fully waterproof and can be used above or below the water. They are also available with color change options that feature various modes to make the pool water appear to be one color or multiple colors at a time.

Fiber optics lights has become an increasingly popular choice for many as it truly gives a pool extra panache. Fiber optic lights run through a cable that can be placed underwater or surround the pool’s rim. The cable that carries the lighting does not use electricity; rather they are housed in an external component. Because the electric source lies outside the pool, fiber-optic lights are ideal for adding to an existing pool. A knowledgeable homeowner can safely and easily do the job alone.

Most pools will require multiple fiber optic lights for adequate lighting. The fiber optic cable is run back to a light generating box which is placed away from the pool or spa. The light in the box sends a beam of light through the fiber optic to the end of the strands located inside the pool or spa. One fiber optic light box will typically operate many wall fittings, which have the fiber optic cable attached, but, this will depend on the total amount of fiber optic strands the box will operate.

Solar lights work by capturing the sun’s energy and storing it in its rechargeable batteries. As a result they do not use any costly electricity. Some are floatable while others have a long post similar to a torch that you simply put in the ground. Solar lighting is offered in a variety of different designs and colors, and can illuminates for up to 8 hours.

Floating pool lights are very popular for lighting a pool area. They come in a vast array of decorative styles and colors. Not only are they a great way to give the pool area a subtle glow, but they provide fun and festive illumination for pool parties and barbecues. Some lights project white light upwards while other styles include colored lighting lenses to make the bottom of the pool appear to be a colorful wonderland. This type of lighting is intended for short term use and usually runs on batteries.

Above-ground pool lights are a great option for people whose pools do not include built-in lighting. This type of lighting is easy to install and use and the pool does not have to be drained in order for the lights to be connected. Above-ground lights include stainless steel brackets as well as transformers rated for outdoor use. Above ground lighting kits are available for both hard and soft framed pools.

Landscape lighting system can enhance the beauty and splendor of your poolside decor and make your pool more inviting and exiting place rest, relaxation and fun.